The US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional League (MRL) has announced changes for 2013-2014, refining its levels of competition into a three-tier structure consisting of Premier I, Premier II and First Divisions, and creating a revised Premier I Division qualification competition for the Under-13 and Under-14 age groups during the 2013 Fall Season.

US Youth Soccer Region II States are some holding National License Courses. Do you need to futher your coaching education? Take a look at our Coaching Page for links to courses around the region and links directly to the state association Coaching Pages.

The recent death of Salt Lake City, Utah, soccer referee Ricardo Portillo makes me incredibly sad. There isn't a game on earth that is worth someone's life. I read that his family says the parents of the 17-year-old keeper who hit him in the head should bear some of the blame. I guarantee you that neither the parents nor anyone else on the sidelines intended for Portillo's death to happen. But time and time again I've watched negative energy result in unintended consequences.

The US Youth Soccer Coaching Department has introduced its latest coaching resources with three age-specific practice activity guides. The three guides — for the U6-U8, U-10 and U-12 age groups — give coaches an idea of what should be covered throughout a season while highlighting activities that focus on development in a low-stress, fun-filled environment.

Under the partnership, Wilson Trophy Company will provide awards and medals for US Youth Soccer programs, including select US Youth Soccer ODP events, the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup and regional and national championship levels of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

In Ian’s Boots, Inc. was founded in July 2010 by Holly and Ron Miller to provide shoes — and in many cases, soccer cleats — to people in need. The organization was established in memory of their son, Ian, after his own soccer aspirations were cut short.